Super Typhoon Man-yi (locally known as Pepito) unleashed its fury on the Philippines, battering several islands with destructive winds and torrential rain, Bloomberg reports.
The super typhoon is expected to bring further devastation as it tracks towards the main island of Luzon, with landfall anticipated over the coastal provinces of Quezon and Aurora on Sunday.
After making landfall in the island province of Catanduanes on Saturday night, Man-yi packed sustained winds of 185 kilometers (115 miles) per hour, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). The weather bureau’s latest notice warns of typhoon-force winds and heavy rains across eastern Luzon. While weakening is expected as it crosses the main island, the threat remains significant.
The impact on Catanduanes was immediate and severe. Local media reports described widespread damage, including destroyed homes, buildings stripped of their roofs, and uprooted trees and power lines. The scale of the destruction underscores the typhoon’s intensity.
In anticipation of Man-yi’s arrival, nearly half a million people were evacuated to safer locations, according to the Inquirer newspaper. This preemptive measure reflects the country’s experience with powerful typhoons and its commitment to protecting its citizens.
A second-lowest wind signal has been hoisted over the Manila capital region, prompting residents to remain vigilant and prepared for potential impacts.
The Philippines, a nation highly vulnerable to climate change-related weather events, endures an average of 20 typhoons annually. The economic consequences of such frequent storms are substantial, with recent typhoons already contributing to a slowdown in economic growth during the last quarter, impacting crucial sectors like agriculture and tourism. The full extent of the economic damage caused by Man-yi remains to be assessed. The government is mobilizing resources to provide aid and support to affected communities.
